Level I Trauma Center

Carle Foundation Hospital is a state-designated Level I Trauma Center, the only hospital in the region to be awarded this rating, and one of only three hospitals south of the Chicago-land area. To earn this distinctive Level I status, Carle has met strict guidelines regarding patient care and is certified to care for the most critically injured patients 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

In fact, as required of a Level I Trauma Center, the entire hospital is on alert, with key departments being coordinated, accessible and ready to respond quickly and efficiently.

Advantages of Level I Status

Efficiency, skill and extensive training are the essential elements of a Level I Trauma Center, ensuring that trauma patients are given the highest level of care possible, regardless of the extent or type of trauma.

The continuum of quality care is crucial to a Level I Trauma Center. At Carle, all medical personnel work together as a cohesive unit - from the triage nurses in the Emergency Department to the specialists in the Critical Care and Intensive Care units.

In fact, all Carle patients can expect the best quality care, as only experienced physicians are on staff - unlike other hospitals that employ residents-in-training. And because it's an academic hospital, Carle is on the cutting edge of the latest medical advances.

Region VI Trauma Region

Carle's trauma service region - region VI, is known for its unusual combination of educational, agricultural and industrial complexes.  Region VI counties include: Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Iroquois, Jasper, Lawrence, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Richland, Shelby and Vermilion.

Level I Designation Criteria

The Level I Trauma Center review process is conducted by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Patient data is sent to the department on a quarterly basis, and an on-site inspection occurs every three years. This on-site survey is conducted by a trauma surgeon and emergency room physician, along with officials for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Together, they examine the facilities, interview staff and review patient records to assess the quality of care rendered before extending the Level I designation. Carle Foundation Hospital has been continuously designated since August 1988.

Level I Trauma Center team members include a group of highly-skilled professionals from virtually every discipline at Carle. Specialists must be available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, including: